How to restart the Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) on Windows

If an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is not recognized in iTunes on Windows, the Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) may need to be restarted. Alternatively, you may see the following error when connecting your device:

This [device] cannot be used because the Apple Mobile Device Service is not started.

Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS)

Windows XP

Close iTunes and disconnect the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Choose Start > Control Panel.

Inside the Control Panel, open Administrative Tools.

Open Services.

Select Apple Mobile Device and click Stop the service as shown below:

After the service has stopped, click Start the service.

After the Apple Mobile Device service has started again, open iTunes and connect the device.

Windows Vista or Windows 7

Close iTunes and disconnect the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Click the Windows Start button .

In the Start Search field type Services.

In the Programs section of the search results, Click "Services".

Select Apple Mobile Device and click Stop the service as shown below:

After the service has stopped, click Start the service.

After the Apple Mobile Device service has started again, open iTunes and connect the device.

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